NORMA BEATTIE SANDERSON (FERGUSON)

It is with great sadness that the family of Mrs. Norma Sanderson (mom, grandma and great-grandma) announce her passing at the age of 103 years on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020.

Norma was born February 22nd, 1917 and grew up on the family farm in Grayburn, Saskatchewan. She attended school in Grayburn until Grade 11 when she moved to Moose Jaw and lived with her sister while completing Grade 12 at Albert E. Peacock Technical High School. In fact, Norma was very proud of being a member of the first graduating class from “Tech”. A few years later, Norma met Tom Sanderson at Swift Packers where they both worked. When Tom joined the army to serve in World War II, they moved their wedding up and were married in 1942. They started their family as soon as Tom returned from Europe at the conclusion of the war… Linda was born in 1946, Allan in 1948 and Nancy came along in 1954. On his return from active service Tom worked out at the Canadian Forces Base in Moose Jaw as an electrician. Soon Norma joined him, and they worked at the base until they retired in 1978. From them on, they spent their winters in Arizona where they enjoyed the warm weather and wonderful friendships with several other Moose Jaw “snowbirds”.

Norma’s kids were always involved in sports and Norma was their biggest fan and cheerleader. She supported each of them in whatever activity they pursued. She worked to help with the cost of their education and their participation in various sports. That support also extended to Tom’s participation in the Moose Jaw bowling scene. Tom was the architect of a strong bowling association that produced provincial and national championships and very strong participation at the local level. Tom received the Saskatchewan Sports award for bowling and Norma’s contribution to his success cannot be understated. In later years, Norma especially loved to watch her grandson Nathan play sports. Norma loved all sports but especially curling, her Toronto Blue Jays and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, which she watched and cheered on faithfully. Over and above sports, Norma was also a member of the Rebekah’s Lodge for over 50 years and volunteered regularly.

Norma was a wonderful mother who loved being with her family and helping others. We loved her dearly and will miss her very much. Family was always Norma’s priority and she was famous for making clothes, doing needlepoint and baking pies and wonderful desserts.

Predeceased in 1996 by the love of her life – husband Tom, Norma is survived by Linda Sanderson in Delta, BC, Allan (Barb) Sanderson in Moose Jaw and their family, Brad, Jordan (Tamara) and Luke, Shaun and Tyler, Nancy (Steve) Nowak in Surrey, BC, her grandson Nathan (Ashley) Nowak, and great-grandsons, Mason, Connor and Ryan. She is lovingly remembered by a whole host of extended family.

The family would like to recognize the special love and tremendous devotion of Barb and Al over the years particularly as Norma’s health declined. As well, a special heartfelt thanks to the staff at Pioneer Lodge for their wonderful care over the past five years. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined and instead please consider a donation to the Recreational Fund at the Pioneer Lodge, 1000 Albert St, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2Y2 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550.

16 Comments

Judy Brande
on May 7, 2020 at 11:32 am

Linda I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. My prays are with you and your family

Nancy and Steve, we are sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She had a very long and full life it sounds like. We hope your happy memories will help you through the days ahead as you grieve. You are in our thoughts.

Linda, Albert and Barb, Nancy and Steve. I am very sorry for your loss. I was very blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know her while at Mulberry Estates. Her and Olive Nant were quite the pair. May God bless and comfort you.

I was sorry to read of Norma’s passing but 103 years old is amazing. She and Tom were good friends with my mom and dad, Vic and Marion, and I have many memories of them all together, happy times! Please accept condolences from our families to yours.

I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing Linda. 103 – quite a legacy! A lot of life & memories to cherish.
May God hold you close & keep you in His tender loving care.
Heather (Varley) Gemmell
PTHS 1971

My deepest condolences to Linda and family. I have had the pleasure to become friends with Linda over the past few years and I love hearing Linda share stories of her visits with her mom. Birthday after birthday Linda would travel back home to celebrate her mom with the family and return to Ladner, BC glowing from her visits with wonderful stories to share! Linda, keep telling those stories of the wonderful lady your mom was. Take time to reflect. Take care of one another.

Linda, Nancy, Allan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom had a wonderful long life and was a truly amazing lady. I loved the friendship that our mother’s enjoyed and I have many fond memories of our times together. Peace and blessings to you all at this time.

Linda, Al, Nancy and families I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Your Mom was a great neighbour to us as were you all. Your Mom gave me one of two wedding showers and I will never forget how much that meant to me. The Slacks have many great memories of you all. Love Barb Burnett (nee Slack) and Family.